These 9 purist enthusiast cars are a dying breed

We all know that the mass automotive consumer is more concerned about Apple Car Play and saving a few bucks, rather than a car’s lap time around the Nurburgring or how many lateral G-forces it can pull without breaking traction.

Of course, it’s a matter of different strokes for different folks — and given the volume of global drivers whose only automotive care is commuting, this all makes sense. That said, there are halo cars out there driving the next wave of enthusiasts, and those that surface are often bestowed with the latest in electronic wizardry — meaning fewer are being exposed to the bonding experience that was once little more than man and machine.

What’s left of today’s “enthusiast cars” is a small subset, to say the least. Although many feature a volume of modern creature comforts and amenities once viewed as frivolous additions (though we still enjoy having them), they are still testaments to the essence of the driving experience: A drivetrain and chassis engineered with performance in mind, rather than a fuel sipping lounge chair on wheels.

With what in mind, we present to you a compilation of what’s left in the category — arranged by starting price, and with notes on what you need to know.

2019 Toyota 86 — $29,990

2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special EditionHandout /
Toyota

Formerly flying under the Scion FR-S nomenclature (and still available as the Subaru BRZ), the Toyota 86 was a breath of fresh air to this category. Powered by a 2.0-litre flat-four engine delivering a modest 205 horsepower, the compact, rear-wheel-drive two-seater channels the essence of driving pleasure that for years you could only get your hands on via a modern Mazda MX-5 Miata, or by fishing through classifieds for gems from the 1980s and early 1990s. With the current variant, its sub-$30,000 price tag will get you a three-pedaled variant with well-bolstered seats, a dual exhaust, a touchscreen infotainment system and just enough space in the “back seats” for your duffel bag and a small dog.

2019 Nissan 370Z — $29,998

2018 Nissan 370Z Heritage EditionSupplied /
Nissan

It’s hard to believe the Nissan 370Z has gone effectively unchanged in a decade, yet it’s a good example of the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mantra. Priced within dollars of the above Toyota 86, the competition between the two rear-wheeled sports coupes is tighter than you’d think. With the Nissan, you gain in performance, upping the horsepower to 332 thanks to its 3.7-litre V6 engine, but you lose in “passenger” space as it only has two seats. You also lose that passenger space as storage capacity, because otherwise the listed cargo capacity for both cars is equal, coming in at 195 litres. The interior design of the Z is getting a little long in the tooth compared to the 86, but if your focus is on both power and handling — and who will outrun whom at the end of the day — the Z maintains an upper hand.

2019 Volkswagen GTI – $30,595

2018 VW Golf GTIHandout /
Volkswagen

Trading speed for practicality doesn’t necessarily mean letting go of your lust for driving dynamics and a grin-inducing experience from behind the wheel. It’s had many a competitor from other hot hatches over the years, but the Volkswagen GTI remains at the top of its game when it comes to its status as a front-wheel-drive, grocery-getting pocket rocket with five seats. Its turbocharged four-banger is only good for 220 horsepower, but power is delivered low in the rev range and VW’s XDS active front differential works hard to ensure that the correct front wheel is putting down power as needed. Sure, you could blow the bank on the faster, all-wheel drive Golf R for an additional $12,000, but having piloted the two on numerous occasions I’ve always come away with the impression of the GTI being the more enjoyable daily-driver, whereas the R is fast but a bit too clinical and predictable.

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata — $32,900

2019 Mazda MX-5 MiataHandout /
Mazda

We all knew this list couldn’t exist without the mighty Mazda MX-5 Miata. It’s tiny, rear-wheel-drive and gets picked on far more than it deserves — often being inappropriately called a “chick car,” whatever that’s supposed to mean. But anyone who’s given it the time of day will attest that it’s one of the more entertaining cars on the road. In an industry where big high-power coupes and sedans make going fast feel slow, the Miata makes mundane speeds feel fast, and even thrilling — especially when hammering through corners. If you’re taller than six-foot-two or are on the heavy side, you might find its interior a little cramped (though its roomier than it used to be), but otherwise it’s a compelling choice for a second summer car. It’s also miles more practical in slightly upgraded form, if you opt for the $39,900 RF with its folding hardtop.

2019 Ford Mustang GT – $38,189

2018 Ford Mustang GTHandout /
Ford

If you want to talk performance bang-for-your-buck, this is it. At under $40,000, you’re getting a modern, dual-overhead cam 5.0L V8 engine that delivers a tire-shredding 460 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque capable of launching the ‘Stang from zero to 100 km/h in under four seconds. If you’re willing to up the budget, adding the $4,200 Performance Package gives the Mustang stiffer suspension, a 3.73 limited-slip differential and larger Brembo brakes, though we have to say we’re a bit disappointed about how Ford has altered these performance packs compared to in years past. Not so long ago, you could get factory-installed Recaro seats as part of the package, whereas now selecting the cloth Recaros on the base GT forces shoppers into over $10,000 in options. Given the ability, you would think being able to build a “low-tech” V8 Mustang with improved handling, braking, and sports seats would be a no-brainer.

2019 Subaru WRX STI — $40,195

2018 Subaru WRX STIHandout /
Subaru

With the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution discontinued and the Ford Focus RS being booted out of North America, the Subaru WRX STI has back to being the last of the “rally car for the streets” that remains in our market. What’s always been a selling feature among enthusiasts about the STI, other than its terrain-conquering all-wheel drive and raspy turbocharged flat engine, is the fact that it’s not as idiot-proof as so many other cars on the road. I certainly wouldn’t go so far as to say that it’s hard to drive, but in the same breath it does take work and focus to drive and maintain at its limit. Its engine is one of the few left out there that doesn’t build much boost until its at least half-way through its rev range, so a spirited drive involves thoughtful gear selection to keep it in its upper register. Steering response is crisp, and balance neutral (though this varies depending on where you bias its center differential), the STI is best enjoyed with ultra-sticky rubber on paved winding roads, or shod with chunky winter tires to tear it up on gravel backwoods logging roads.

Honda Civic Type R — $41,090

2018 Honda Civic Type RHandout /
Honda

Decades ago, if someone walked into a Honda dealer and was told that a Civic cost over $40,000, they would have walked out the door laughing. Fast forward today, and the Civic Type R has earned a level of street cred that has enthusiasts walking in the door saying, “Shut up and take my money.” Plain and simple, the Type R is fantastic to drive. It’s agile, it’s powerful and steering and suspension setup is so damned good that it doesn’t drive like a typical, understeering front-drive hot hatch. I couldn’t help but nickname it Tobiko during my time at the wheel — Japanese for Flying Fish — because it has all the wings and fins), but over-the-top aesthetics aside, this is another of those rare cars where they could make it look like anything–it’s the drive that sells this car day-in and day-out. Hard to believe that pushing 306 horsepower to the front wheels can work so well (remember the high-powered torque-steering ridiculousness of the Mazdaspeed3?)

And now for something completely different. Though we aren’t talking about on-road performance, the Jeep Wrangler is a prime example of a vehicle that’s still being built with a specific subset of driving enthusiasts in mind. You don’t buy a Wrangler for it to live on the street (or at least, you really shouldn’t), you buy it for adventure, and for its legendary off-road capability. Locking differentials, electronic sway bar disconnect, and a host of other features allow the Wrangler (especially in Rubicon trim) to conquer more of the outdoors than just about anything other than the Ford F-150 Raptor. It’s a narrowing niche similar to the performance car though, as burning petrol for fun becomes more taboo and preserving natural resources becomes an even greater priority. To those already in the backwoods, please continue to off-road responsibly so Jeep can maintain a valid reason to keep building these beasts.

2019 Porsche 718 Cayman — $63,700 (The “stretch option)

2018 Porsche 718 Cayman GTSDerek McNaughton /
Driving

As Porsche continues to broaden its model range and draw in more of the luxury car buyer market, it becomes more challenging to call any Porsche a real “purists car” these days. That said, their handling and feel from behind the wheel is still a glorious experience, and before tacking on all the pricey bells and whistles, a bare-bones 718 Cayman (or even a basic 911 for that matter) is still rooted in the brand’s performance-focused essence. Yes, you’re buying the Porsche badge, but you’re also buying decades upon decades of motorsport engineering. If you have the additional coin to spare, the higher spec GTS models offer more power, better seats, and other bells and whistles, but it isn’t a prerequisite in order to satisfy your desire for a good driving experience. While some have griped and groaned about these models migrating to turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, unless you’ve spent years at the wheel of their naturally aspirated variants, we don’t suspect you’ll find that much to complain about.